Closure apparatus for pressure chamber



Sept. 5, 1967 .1. l. NUGENT CLOSURE APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE CHAMBER FiledJune 9; 1965 FIG. 1

' SOURCE OF FLUID PRESSURE INVENTOR.

JOHN I. NUGENT ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,339,785 CLOSUREAPPARATUS FOR PRESSURE CHAMBER John I. Nugent, Rochester, N.Y.,assignor, by mesne assignments, to Ritter Pfaudler Corporation, acorporation of New York Filed June 9, 1965, Ser. No. 462,575 15 Claims.(Cl. 220-41) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE There is a pressure vessel 14having an opening 12 surrounded by an inflatable seal 42. A door 11 isslidably supported on a plurality of flanged rollers 24 for movementbetween open and closed positions respectively between flange stops 34on the vessel engaging the leading edge of the door 11 and stops 38mounted on the trailing edge of the door engaging a vessel flange 16,both of which stops also function coactively with the flanged rollers toprevent outward movement of the door away from the vessel.

This invention relates to apparatus for closure and sealing of pressurechambers and more specifically to apparatus for closure and sealing ofpressurizable sterilizing chambers.

One object of this invention is to provide improved apparatus forclosing and sealing a pressure chamber.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved door orclosure construction for a pressure chamber eliminating the need forconventional locking means for securing the door in closed and sealedrelationship with the opening of the pressure vessel.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a greatlysimplified, less expensive pressure chamber closure construction.

It is a significant object of this invention to provide a slidable doorwith means for limiting the outward movement of the door away from thepressure vessel opening when at least in the closed position with theopening.

An important object of this invention is to provide flanged rollersslidably supporting the door or closure member and limiting it fromoutward movement.

It is another important object of this invention to provide the lastdescribed construction in combination with an inflatable sealintermediate the door and the pressure vessel around the openingthereof.

It is another significant object of this invention to provide flangedstop elements extending along the trailing edges of the door adapted toembrace the vessel member when a closed position and flange the stopelements on the vessel adapted to embrace the leading edge of the doorwhen in a closed position coactive with the flanged rollers for limitingoutward movement of the door when under pressure.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be particularly setforth in the claims and will be apparent from the following description,when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1 embodiment taken alongthe line 22 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows and withparts broken away;

3,339,785 Patented Sept. 5, 1967 FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectionalview taken along the line 33 of FIG. 1 looking in the directionindicated by the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a reduced diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along theline 44 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction indicated by the arrowsillustrating the door in open and closed positions.

With reference to the figures, there is a horizontally disposedsterilizer or pressure vessel generally indicated by the numeral 10,referred to hereinafter in the claims as a vessel member. This vessel 10is constructed according to conventional pressurizable vessels,preferably of all steel construction. There is a door or closure member11 adapted for closure of a vessel opening 12 defined by continuousintegral steel or other rigid horizontal top and bottom walls 14 andvertical sidewalls 15 of the pressure vessel 10. There is a verticalbackwall 17 (FIG. 2) generally completing the vessel 10.

Although not illustrated, it will be understood that any of theconventional control systems for supplying steam or other fluid underpressure and/ or for reducing pressure are adaptable for use with thepressurizable vessel herein illustrated.

There is a vertical peripheral flange 16 of steel or other rigidmaterial mounted rigidly as for example, by welding 18 (FIG. 3) aroundthe entire outside periphery of the vessel and spaced from an open end32 of the vessel 10. Flange 16 is provided with a pair of integralvertically spaced horizontal extensions 20 and 21 at the top and bottomof the vessel. The top and bottom portions of the flange includingextensions 20 and 21 carry a plurality of steel or other rigid brackets22 mounted rigidly thereon in spaced relationship longitudinally of. thesliding movement of the door and horizontally across those portions offlange 16 and extensions thereof.

Brackets 22 project horizontally from the flange 16 r and extensionsthereof. Each bracket 22 retains a double flanged roller 24 rotatablymounted thereto, as for example, journaled on the outer race of a rollerbearing assembly 26. The roller bearing assembly has a pair of shanks 27on opposite sides of the inner race thereof. Shanks 27 are journaledinto a horizontal bore 28 extending through the bracket 22.

The plurality of brackets 22 mounted above and below the vessel opening12 are adapted to slidably support and guide the door 11 between openand closed positions respectively illustrated at 11 in solid line inFIG. 4 and 11A in broken line in FIG. 4.

The plurality of flanged rollers 22 also coactively function to limitthe outward movement of the door 11 away from the open end 32 of thepressure vessel 10, thereby confining the door to a selected minimalspaced relationship between an inner surface 30 of the door and the openend 32 of the pressure vessel 10. (See FIGS. 2 and 3.)

There are a pair or plurality of rigid flanged stop or clamp elements 34rigidly mounted along the left-hand vertical portion of the peripheralflange 16 as viewed in FIG. 1. The stop elements 34 are adapted toorient or align the left-hand (as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 4) or leadingedge 36 of the door 11 against sliding movement beyond the closedposition such as illustrated in FIG. 4. A vertical flange portion 37 ofeach of the stops 34 forms an internal shoulder with the main bodyportion of the stops 34. This shoulder is adapted to be engaged by andto embrace the leading edge 36 of the door 11.

There are a pair or plurality of rigid flanged stop elements 38 rigidlymounted to the inside surface 30 of the door 11 at substantially theright-hand (as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4) or trailing edge 35 thereof.Stop elements 38 are similar in construction to the stop elements 34 andare provided with vertical flanges 40, thereby forming an internalshoulder with the main body portion thereof adapted to embrace or engagethe right-hand vertical edge of the peripheral flange 16 as illustratedin broken line at FIG. 4, thereby coacting with the left-hand vesselflanges 34 to align the door 11 in the closed position relative to thevessel opening 12.

The flanges 37 and 40 of both the left-hand flanged stops 34 and theright-hand flanged stops 38 are coactive with the flanges of rollers 24to limit, around the entire periphery of the door 11, the outwardmovement of the door away from the vessel when in the closed position.

The inside surface 30 of the door 11 is sealed to the open end 32 of thevessel 10 by an inflatable resilient seal 42 seated in the open end 32of the vessel, thereby to maintain the vessel 10 in pressurizedcondition, as for example when steam is introduced into the chamber, orto maintain a vacuum in the vessel if the air pressure is reduced. Whileit will be understood that the inflatable seal 42 could be provided onthe door to fulfill these requirements, it is preferable to provide thehollow resilient inflatable seal 42 On the vessel 10 as is illustratedin FIGS. 1-3 around the entire periphery of the opening 12 seated in aperipheral groove or slot 44 in the open end 32 of the vessel walls 14and 15.

The resilient inflatable seal 42 may be of the silicon rubber orethylene propylene type or any other suitable inflatable material whichwill withstand the high and low external pressure and high temperatureof sterilization without rupturing. Preferably the seal 42 is circularin cross-section for passage of fluid and inflation thereof, and isprovided with a connection, as for example a conduit 46 (see FIG. 1)communicating between internal fluid passage of the seal and a source offluid pressure 48. Although not illustrated, it will be understood thatsuitable valves and pressure regulators necessary for selectivelyinflating and deflating the seal 42 are provided. The seal isillustrated in the inflated condition, thereby providing apressure-sealed pressurizable vessel 10.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that when it isdesired to pressurize the chamber, the operator merely slides the door11 from the right-hand open position illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 tothe closed position illustrated in broken line in FIG. 4, and theinflatable seal 42 is inflated to the broken line position 42A of FIG. 3thereby to seal the door 11 to the vessel 10 and the chamber is readyfor pressurization or depressurization.

While I have shown and described the preferred form of mechanism of myinvention it will be apparent that various modifications and changes maybe made therein particularly in the form and relation of parts, withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention as set forth in the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged support means between said members along a pair of oppositeedges of said door member adapted for slidably supporting said doormember for movement between open and closed positions with said openingand for limiting outward movement of said door member at least when insaid closed position, and

(b) flanged means along a second pair of opposite edges for orientingsaid door against sliding movement beyond closure and limiting outwardmovement of said door member at least while in said closed position,

(0) seal means between said members for sealing said members in pressuretight relation around said opening when said members are in said closedposition.

2. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged support means between said members along a pair of oppositeedges of said door member adapted for slidably supporting said doormember for movement between open and closed positions with said openingand for limiting outward movement of said door member at least when insaid closed position, and

(b) flanged means along a second pair of opposite edges for orientingsaid door against sliding movement beyond closure and limiting outwardmovement of said door member at least while in said closed position.

(c) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said seal isinflated and said members are in said closed position.

3. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) support means between said members adapted for slidably supportingsaid door member for movement between open and closed positions withsaid opening, means orienting said door member against sliding movementbeyond closure and means along all edges of said door member when in aclosed position for limiting outward movement of said door member atleast when in said closed position, and

(b) seal means between said members for sealing said members in pressuretight relation around said opening when said members are in said closedposition.

4. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) support means between said members adapted for slidably supportingsaid door member for movement 'between open and closed positions withsaid opening, means orienting said door member against sliding movementbeyond closure and both said support means and orienting means includingmeans along all edges of said door member for limiting outward movementof said door member at least when in said closed position, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

5. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) support means between said members along two opposite edges of saiddoor member adapted for slidably supporting said door member formovement between open and closed positions with said opening and forlimiting outward movement of said door member at least when in saidclosed position, means along a second pair of opposite edges of saiddoor member when in the closed position for limiting outward movement ofsaid door member at least when in said closed position, and

(b) deformable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

6 An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) support means between said members along two opposite edges of saiddoor member adapted for slidably supporting said door member formovement between open and closed positions with said opening and forlimiting outward movement of said door member at least when in saidclosed position, means along a second pair of opposite edges of saiddoor member when in the closed position for limiting outward movement ofsaid door member at least when in said closed position, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

7. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged roller means between said members adapted for slidablysupporting said door member for movement between open and closedpositions with said opening and for limiting outward movement of saiddoor member at least when in said closed position, and

(b) seal means between said members for sealing said members in pressuretight relation around said opening when said members are in said closedposition.

8. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged roller means between said members adapted for slidablysupporting said door member for movement between open and closedpositions with said opening and for limiting outward movement of saiddoor member at least when in said closed position, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

9. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged roller means between said members adapted for slidablysupporting said door member for movement between open and closedpositions with said opening for limiting outward movement of said doormember at least when in said closed position, said roller meansextending along two opposite edges of said door as it moves between saidpositions, and

(b) seal means between said members for sealing said members in pressuretight relation around said opening when said members are in said closedposition.

10. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged roller means between said members adapted for slidablysupporting said door member for movement between open and closedpositions with said opening for limiting outward movement of said doormember at least when in said closed position, said roller meansextending along two opposite edges of said door as it moves between saidpositions, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

11. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged roller means between said members adapted for slidablysupporting said door member for movement between open and closedpositions with said opening, said roller means extending along twoopposite edges of said door as it moves between said positions, stopmeans on said door mem ber extending along a trailing edge of said doormember and adapted to embrace a portion of said vessel member when insaid closed position, stop means on said vessel member adapted toembrace a leading edge of said door member when in said closed position,both of said stop means being coactive with said flanged roller meansfor limiting outward movement of said door member at least when in saidclosed position, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

12. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged support means between said members adapted for slidablysupporting said door member for movement between open and closedpositions with said opening, said support means extending along twoopposite edges of said door as it moves between said positions, means onsaid door member extending along a trailing edge of said door member andadapted to embrace a portion of said vessel member when in said closedposition, means on said vessel member adapted to embrace a leading edgeof said door member when in said closed position, both of said lastmentioned means being coactive with said flanged support means forlimiting outward movement of said door member at least when in saidclosed position, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersbin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

13. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) roller means between said members adapted for slidably supportingsaid door member for movement between open and closed positions withsaid opening and for limiting outward movement of said door member atleast when in said closed position, and

(b) seal means between said members for sealing said members in pressuretight relation around said opening when said members are in said closedposition.

14. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) roller means between said members adapted for slidably supportingsaid door member for movement between open and closed positions withsaid opening, means along all edges of said door member when in saidclosed position for limting outward movement of said door member atleast when in said closed position, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for sealing said membersin pressure tight relation around said opening when said members are insaid closed position.

15. An improved apparatus for combination with a pressure vessel memberhaving an opening and a door member for closure of said opening, saidimprovement comprising in combination therewith:

(a) flanged roller means between said members adapted for slidablysupporting said door member for movement between open and closedpositions with said opening, means along all edges of said door memberwhen in said closed position for limiting outward movement of said doormember at least when in said closed position, and

(b) inflatable seal means between said members for References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1943 Kemper 220-46 8/ 1965 Cherney et a1 2204610 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

G. T. HALL, Assistant Examiner.

1. AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR COMBINATION WITH A PRESSURE VESSEL MEMBER HAVING AN OPENING AND A DOOR MEMBER FOR CLOSURE OF SAID OPENING, SAID IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING IN COMBINATION THEREWITH: (A) FLANGED SUPPORT MEANS BETWEEN SAID MEMBERS ALONG A PAIR OF OPPOSITE EDGES OF SAID DOOR MEMBER ADAPTED FOR SLIDABLY SUPPORTING SAID DOOR MEMBER FOR MOVEMENT BETWEEN OPEN AND CLOSED POSITIONS WITH SAID OPENING AND FOR LIMITING OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID DOOR MEMBER AT LEAST WHEN IN SAID CLOSED POSITION, AND (B) FLANGED MEANS ALONG A SECOND PAIR OF OPPOSITE EDGES FOR ORIENTING SAID DOOR AGAINST SLIDING MOVEMENT BEYOND CLOSURE AND LIMITING OUTWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID DOOR MEMBER AT LEAST WHILE IN SAID CLOSED POSITION, 